The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Division Round

What did I learn from last weekend? Nothing will go according to plan! (just ask the Mercenaries). The Wolfpack should start booking their ticket to the April 18th finals; the Shockers season from hell is officially over; the second round preview of the playoffs has more questions than answers.

Monarch Nation Is Back (Well, at least somewhat)

I have noticed a pattern. Every time I write highly about the Monarchs, the next game they come out flat. When I point out the negative about this team, they come out flying.

For them to overcome their biggest mental obstacle in defeating the Shockers has brought a new sense of optimism. But can this translate into them playing well against the Texas All-Stars?

From all reports from those in attendance last weekend, the Monarchs played with no fear. They didn’t have the hesitation that was displayed in the previous week against Click Clack. The Monarchs exhibited a passion not seen by this team in a few years.

The ironic thing is, a Shocker member had relayed a message to this scribe, which he had received from a Monarchs player. Initially, I was surprised by the comments from this Monarchs player. But since their win, I am sure this Monarch has been smoking some fine cigars with his prediction coming through in the end.

Wolfpack Are Howling Louder

As one member of the D2 fraternity told me on Sunday night, the Wolfpack are the team beat in Conference A.

With their methodical dismantling of the Mercenaries, I don’t see why this team cannot make it to the finals. In the last four weeks, they have gone up against Conference A’s top four teams (Mercenaries, O.N.S, Renegades, and Ruff Ryders), and they have come out undefeated.

No opposing defense has found an answer to stopping Mikhail Davidson. No team has been able to ruffle Pascal Murray. For those who have been following this team, it seems Murray has years in the pocket to pass the football to his receivers.

Will any team figure out how to stop the Wolfpack? Otherwise, this team can book their ticket to the D2 finals on April 18th for a second consecutive year.

What Happens Now To the Eliminated Teams?

What happens to the Shockers? This was a lost season for a team that many considered to be one of the lead horses to win D2. For this organization to lose to their most bitter rival has to be a huge blow to their egos.

Where do they go from here? Who knows, there are whispers of a unification between the Shockers and Hurricanes.

For the Waterbuffaloes, where they will be one year from now is always in question. What do they have left to accomplish in D2? They have won the title, they have been a perennial contender, it seems there is little left to do in this division.

Once again the Phoenix was in vintage form of coming up short. Every FPF winter season, there is that slight hope that maybe this is the year they ascend to the top. But once again, an early exit playoff loss has made everyone wonder.

Until they make a deep run in the playoffs, I cannot see this team make the move to D1 yet. But it definitely is not too far off in the horizon.

In the Mercenaries case, it is a shock that a team full of experienced football players would come out as flat as they did. Simply put, they did not execute their game-plan.

It seemed that Gino Di Fazio was relying far too much on Carmine Pollice for the big play rather than using his entire team. This was not the best game put forth by the Mercenaries, and as a result, they have been eliminated from the playoffs.

O.N.S.-Wolfpack:

Wolfpack are the hottest team in D2. Who can stop this offense? Who can stop Mikhail Davidson? Who can stop Pascal Murray? Players like Alex Cavanaugh and Alain Rousseau seem to do their best when under the radar as well.

This first team to 45-points will be victorious. Kevin Wyeth, and Pascal Murray will be wearing off the seams of the football.

Who from O.N.S. can stop Mikhail Davidsson? “Stop” is impossible to do. Slowing him down is more likely. Whether they line up Ryan Brewster, or one of the Issacs brothers, O.N.S. will have to pray to the football Gods that Murray overthrows his best receiver.

Who can make a game altering stop on defense? The more likely of the two teams is Wolfpack, and in particular, Garcia Mwembo. In last week’s victory over the Mercenaries, he came up with huge defensive stops. When the opportunity arises, Mwembo has stepped up to the plate.

Ruff Ryders-Renegades:

In the last meeting between these two teams, Renegades quarterback, Serge Brousseau had his worst performance of the season, as he threw three interceptions.

Clearly, the Ryders were in the heads of the Renegades, and toyed with them throughout the game. Essentially, this victory ascended the Ryders as one of the top teams in Conference A.

The key matchup for the Ryders is having Marc Champagne in the same vicinity as Dave Stala. Clearly, Stala is the go to guy for the Renegades as he opens the field for everyone else on the football team. But will the Renegades have the luxury of throwing the deep ball like they did in last week’s victory over the Phoenix? The Ryders cover the deep ball very well.

We all know about the Serge Brousseau exploits. But what about the Paul Lapierre factor? Will he be able to conquer his demons of winning an important playoff game at the pivot position?

Lapierre looked fabulous in the first meeting between these two teams. But in the last few weeks, his play has been somewhat questionable. He will need to rekindle the magic that has made the Ryders offense potent.

Will the unknowns from both squads such as Keeshan Myers (Ryders), and Mike McCallum (Renegades) be the difference in this match? In this type of rivalry game, the answer will be yes. Both teams will need their supporting cast to bring up another level.

Texas All-Stars-Monarchs:

Last time these two teams played each other, it was over after three plays of offense by the Monarchs. Cory Johnson had thrown two costly interceptions to the All-Stars which deflated any hopes this team had.

Can the Monarchs keep the momentum train rolling into this second duel? They will need a huge performance from the entire team. The key to their victory over the Shockers was every member had a say in the win. Cory Johnson cannot get too flabbergasted if this team falls behind early. He will need to slow down the tempo.

Can anyone on the Monarchs roster stop Matt Norzil? Norzil can single handedly change the tempo of the football game with his game breaking ability. Furthermore, can anyone matchup with the speed that the All-Stars present on the football field?

This game will come down to which team will create turnovers! Does Cory Johnson dare to throw to Nathan Taylor’s side? Or he can try Garrett Taylor. Either way, it is a risky proposition.  

What about Benny Goodfriend. He has the Steve Young like gorilla on his back for coming up short when it matters most. Can he be consistent enough to manage the football for the All-Stars? 

 Kingz-Click Clack:

The Kingz are rolling due to their “excellence of execution” on both sides of the football. No one in D2 has figured out how to stop Pat Jerome. In their win over the Waterbuffaloes, Jerome had three touchdown receptions.

Click Clack have the personnel to matchup with the Kingz offense. But we cannot forget their offensive dynamic duo of Paul Kamel, and George Papachristopoulos. Now that the latter will be missing in this week’s game, who from Click Clack will step into the #2 receiver role. Remember, the Kingz safety combination of Andre John and Jermone will likely be able to neutralize deep-threat Paul Kamel.

Another key matchup will be Pavlos Papachristopoulos against Fred Dupuis. Both are passionate players that will be vocal on the football field. Papachristopoulos will need to shadow every move that Dupuis does. 

Furthermore, Click Clack rusher, Daniel Calla and his elephant trunk like arms will need to create a lot traffic for Dupuis’s vision. If Calla can alter his path of vision, it will produce problems for the Kingz offense.

Finally the role players on the Kingz will need to come up huge. In particular, Simon Rheaume, Alex Lever, and Matt Thibault. As much criticism that has been thrown towards team captain, Rey Starwar for his roster maneuvers, he has kept the original makeup of this team. But now it is time for this trio to prove their worth.

Percentages%

10%, that the O.N.S.-Wolfpack game will reach 100-points total.

15%, that the Monarchs can duplicate their flawless performance against the Texas All-Stars.

30%, that the Kingz-Click Clack game will go into overtime,

45%, that there will be an upset of some sorts.